Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 engine, known as the EcoDiesel, is now back in production. FCA halted production of the engine in 2016 due to allegations from the EPA about possible emissions issues.

According to Automotive News, FCA has begun producing the small diesel engine again, presumably to fulfill back orders for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV and Ram 1500 pickup truck. FCA stopped building the engines last year when federal regulators questioned unspecified diesel emissions software.

In a June statement regarding West Virginia University emissions testing that seemed to verify peculiar emissions outputs, FCA refuted the procedures and methodology of the university's Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, and noted that the automaker had filed for certification of its diesel vehicle emissions with the EPA and the California Air Resources Board for the 2017 model year with updated emissions software calibrations.

It is hard to believe that the take rate on RAM 1500's equipped with such a small diesel was such a big deal anyway.

For RAM buyers obsessed with FE they can get a 3.6 gasser and get decent mileage (on the freeway), and those who don't care probably want the HEMI 5.7 anyway.

Those who expect to do a lot of towing are probably most attracted to the 2500. The 3.0 diesel never seemed to make sense in 5500 lb truck.

Posted by: papajim | Jul 10, 2017 7:13:47 AM

@papjim,

I think the 3.0 makes perfect sense. I own one and it's exactly what I am looking for.

I drive 130 miles round trip (work to home) 5 days a week, with a carpool of 3 other guys and gear. I get 27mpg average, so I fill up on monday morning and drive all week on a tank. There's no way the 3.6 is going to get me that kind of mileage.

And I don't tow often, but when i do it's more than the 3.6 will handle but nowhere near enough to justify a 2500. And i average 13mpg while towing where the Hemi would be lucky to get 8mpg.

I'm not saying it's perfect, and I'm not saying it's ideal for everyone. But for my circumstances, it's a great choice.

And with Ford coming out with their 3.0 diesel for the 2018 F150, it must make sense to some other people as well

Posted by: ajb3015 | Jul 10, 2017 8:08:18 AM

Papajim, there are more than just FE benefits to the Ecodiesel. For me and many others that I have read about, the FE is however, a huge part as I drive 20-25K miles a year. Diesels generally speaking will outlast a gas engine, in terms of durability. Those that speak out against this diesel have very little clue, because the Eco has not been around long enough to garner enough data/respect. As for towing, the majority of people that buy a 1/2 ton will never tow either regularly, let alone heavy tow. It is the aspect of having a comfortable ride, large enough cabin, and the flexibility of having a truck bed that has been attracting many new buyers.

I never understood the diesel 1500 Ram either. It has 900 pounds of payload, it's gutless, and tows worse than equivalent gas engines. IF you buy a pickup truck to simply commute to work and back, you probably should have bought a sedan and you'd get better MPGs.

But I guess with the Ram 1500's payload and towing capacity, you are basically buying a sedan with a bed....

Posted by: john | Jul 10, 2017 8:21:36 AM

you guys make no sense, whats wrong with wanting a truck that can modestly tow/haul and be a commuter? its a good fit in this case, why would you buy a sedan and then complain you also need a truck?

Posted by: Nitro | Jul 10, 2017 8:51:24 AM

I'm a huge proponent of diesel powered pickups.

They are great vehicles for traversing large distances, with little effort and as a bonus great FE.

They are a great tow vehicle and make light work of towing.

They are the best option for off road work as most will never use a pickup for rock crawling or even drive a Raptor at 80mph down desert tracks.

Most people believe the only benefit from a diesel is it's FE, but it is much more than that.

You have the low revving effortless torque of a V8 with the wonderful background diesel clatter. What a beautiful engine for a truck.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 10, 2017 8:54:46 AM

I'm a huge proponent of diesel powered pickups.

They are great vehicles for traversing large distances, with little effort and as a bonus great FE.

They are a great tow vehicle and make light work of towing.

They are the best option for off road work as most will never use a pickup for rock crawling or even drive a Raptor at 80mph down desert tracks.

Most people believe the only benefit from a diesel is it's FE, but it is much more than that.

You have the low revving effortless torque of a V8 with the wonderful background diesel clatter. What a beautiful engine for a truck.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 10, 2017 8:54:47 AM

papajim,
You again are displaying your lack of knowledge in how the motor vehicle industry operates.

You see, the commonality between a Grand Cherokee diesel and a Ram diesel is very similar. So, this reduces costs.

I'd bet if you add up the two platforms, a considerable amount of dollars is to be had from offering these two finest of US pickups and 4x4s have to offer.

Maybe when Ford bring out the 3 litre Lion diesel F150 would it be worth looking at. But first they need to fix up that cheap plastic Mitsubishi looking interior. Ford and GM really need to fix up the inside of their vehicles. Korean cars offer better interiors.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 10, 2017 8:58:54 AM

So far I have driven a couple of Hemi Rams for a sustained period and it was a nice drive, doesn't handle well, but it was a nice cruiser.

I had a quick blat in a 3.6 Ram as well and a 2500 Ram my friend has in WA. This Cummins was a great drive as a fun vehicle because my friend spent over $6 000 looking for some torque and horsepower.

I have driven all three F150s, the 3.7 and both the 2.7 and 3.5 EcoSiezes.

I've only driven a Sierra. No Tundra or Cummins Titan (a real want). I hear the V8 1/2 ton Titan is a great drive.

I would love to take a Ram with the VM diesel out. I did not find one as a rental, which is sad.

It is great to see the little diesel 1/2 ton become available again.

Even without it Ram seemed to pick up on Chev. The return of the little diesel Ram might just be the tipping point and place Chev into third place.

But again if you add up all the related platform GM pickups and SUVs, no one can even come close.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 10, 2017 9:08:51 AM

The 2.8l diesel GM mid-sized trucks have a higher payload capacity than the Ram ecodiesel...

Posted by: Jim | Jul 10, 2017 9:20:31 AM

Fiat is claiming foul because they programmed their ecodiesel for a lab test? What a bunch of hacks. They are nothing but a bunch of cheaters that try and get away with all kinds of fraudulent actions. This is just another case of their many scandals. They are nothing but hacks and I hope they get the book thrown at them.

Posted by: Johnny doa | Jul 10, 2017 9:21:16 AM

The Ecodiesel tows up to 9200 pounds! À friend of mine tows 9000 lbs with his Ecodiesel, and like many others, swears it tows better than the Hemi. With the next generation of Ram's, the payload will be upgraded as well as the towing capacity. Agreed, it's not as quick as a Hemi, but it's a pleasure to drive.

Posted by: Marc | Jul 10, 2017 9:37:37 AM

Johnny Doa, you read it backwards, Ram used real world data, the college used lab test....

Ram is going to call it Diesel not eco-diesel, as guys like some that already posted think it has no grunt.

Posted by: Dave | Jul 10, 2017 10:08:44 AM

you guys make no sense, whats wrong with wanting a truck that can modestly tow/haul and be a commuter? its a good fit in this case, why would you buy a sedan and then complain you also need a truck?

Posted by: Nitro | Jul 10, 2017 8:51:24 AM

The same guys that complain about the diesel Colorado/Canyon. If it doesn't make sense for them it must be a bad idea.

I actually test drove a Canyon with the diesel for the wife as it could be a good commuter for 15-20k a year and provide the bed for light hauling and mild off-road duty. Ultimately we got her a SRX but it was definitely in the discussion at the end.

Posted by: andrwken | Jul 10, 2017 10:23:35 AM

Well Fiat seems confident. Hope they are doing the right thing.

Posted by: Clint | Jul 10, 2017 10:47:26 AM

Johnny Doa, you read it backwards, Ram used real world data, the college used lab test....

Ram is going to call it Diesel not eco-diesel, as guys like some that already posted think it has no grunt.

Posted by: Dave | Jul 10, 2017 10:08:44 AM

Dave, the lab uses real driving. EPA uses lab testing. See below. The reason the lab is used is so each manufacture can test in house for the certification. The manufacturer will send in the results for emissions certification. Each company performs real road testing to. Fiat obviously has done both but chose to limit emissions to lab use only to get certified. And once on the road spew harmful gas. Just like VW.

FCA US has recently been made aware of on-road emissions testing conducted on two of the Company’s diesel-powered vehicles by West Virginia University’s Center for Alternative Fuels Engines and Emissions (CAFEE). B

Posted by: Johnny doa | Jul 10, 2017 11:15:46 AM

@John: while the highly optioned Ram Ecodiesels payload in some cases is as low as 900, or a bit less, if you stay away from heavyweight options, you could have just over 1300 with a 4x4 crew, or 1500 with a 4x2.

@Jim: sadly, the 2.8 GM (a VM Motori as well) requires a trimming belt at 150K. When they hit that mileage, they will be getting traded, as a good deal don't want to spend 800$ to maintain.

It also has less torque and power per inch then a 3.0.

Posted by: TRX-4 Tom | Jul 10, 2017 11:35:27 AM

TRX Tom, a timing belt at 150K is still better than a new engine at just over 100K on the ram when the camshaft(s) fail.

Posted by: Johnny doa | Jul 10, 2017 11:42:44 AM

TRX Tom, a timing belt at 150K is still better than a new engine at just over 100K on the ram when the camshaft(s) fail.

Posted by: Johnny doa | Jul 10, 2017 11:42:45 AM

But Fiat Ram is still not authorized to sell the diesel yet and Fiat Ram will have to recall all the old diesels.

Posted by: Greg | Jul 10, 2017 12:16:52 PM

Jim,
I do believe FCA made the Ram to suit the 75%ers. These people just want a nice pickup to drive around in.

You see most pickups don't really do much work ...... some do.

The Ram I drove was more comfortable vehicle than the F150s we have at work.

If you want a working Ram, they are available.

Oh, our Colorado's in Australia can carry more than some F250s and even more than the bottom end of your F350s. But they are a real pain in the behind.

Literally.

They are sprung so hard with so little weight over the rear axle.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 10, 2017 12:31:14 PM

A eco-diesel Ram (Crew Cab/4x4/Loaded) doesn't even have enough payload to carry my 6,000 pound boat and cooler to the lake (~15% hitch weight and I'm nearly overloaded with no passengers in the truck). Actually I think if I wanted to haul my boat with people, I'd legally need a Ram 2500 due to the low payload on the Ram 1500s.

Luckily, I don't have this issue with my 2016 Platinum Tundra or my 2017 Sierra Denali HD. I guess this is why you don't see many Ram 1500's at the boat ramps unless they are launching jet ski

Posted by: Tyler | Jul 10, 2017 12:51:35 PM

@tyler, you must live near ponds and not lakes....I see rams at the ramps everywhere in the NE, most people do not care, or do not know any better and will tow what they want anyway. AS long as dealers want to sell a buyer who knows nothing(80% of buyers, like GMS, johnny and PAPA JIM) about towing, people will buy them and tow anything.

Posted by: Nitro | Jul 10, 2017 12:56:33 PM

Those who expect to do a lot of towing are probably most attracted to the 2500. The 3.0 diesel never seemed to make sense in 5500 lb truck.

@PUTC commenters

Maybe I should have pointed out that a crew cab RAM 1500 diesel with a load of passengers and their stuff becomes a 7000 pound truck pretty quick.

You can just rent a boat at the lake, you hope!

As I noted in my comment this morning, the RAM 2500 makes a lot more sense if you plan on carrying a load of people and gear. And you get the Cummins, unlike the RAM 1500.

Posted by: papajim | Jul 10, 2017 12:57:51 PM

...the commonality between a Grand Cherokee diesel and a Ram diesel is very similar.

So, this reduces costs.

I'd bet if you add up the two platforms, a considerable amount of dollars is to be had from offering these two finest of US pickups and 4x4s have to offer.

@Big Al

Please translate the above remarks into English.

Posted by: papajim | Jul 10, 2017 1:05:54 PM

@Nitro Lake of the Ozarks and other lakes in Missouri are not ponds by any means... I still have yet to see a newer Ram 1500 towing any decent sized boat. I see plenty of F150/GM 1500s/Tundra towing 20'-28' boats. The bigger boats are obviously hauled by F250/F350, GM 2500HD/3500HD, and Ram 2500/3500s.

Sounds like NE has a lot dumb truck owners that don't know the capacity of their trucks. I guess you can't fix stupid...

Posted by: Tyler | Jul 10, 2017 1:13:59 PM

TRX Tom, a timing belt at 150K is still better than a new engine at just over 100K on the ram when the camshaft(s) fail.
Posted by: Johnny doa | Jul 10, 2017 11:42:44 AM

Not to mention the Ram Ecodiesel has been known for engines that blow by 70k miles. Engine failures get reported almost daily.

At this point, the engine failure rate is getting close to reaching Ecoboost failure levels.

Posted by: Aldo | Jul 10, 2017 4:06:45 PM

I have a GMC canyon with the 2.8 diesel and it's a perfect fit for me, I drive about 24K miles per year and don't want to maintain two vehicles. It's very comfortable commuting vehicle. My biggest complaint is that it's too long to easily maneuver in some parking lots.

I also have horses and live in an apple orchard. It will haul 1000 pounds of hay or apples and I hardly notice it. My horse and trailer weigh a combined 4500 pounds. I can tell it's there, but mainly because the FE takes a hit. The braking is nearly as good as empty. I don't know if it's due to the engine brake or transmission programming, but it's a night and day improvement over other pickups.

I have never driven or even ridden in a RAM ecodiesel so I can't comment on it. To say a diesel makes no sense for a half ton pickup is obviously absurd.

Posted by: Bill | Jul 10, 2017 4:08:11 PM

But I guess with the Ram 1500's payload and towing capacity, you are basically buying a sedan with a bed....

Posted by: john | Jul 10, 2017 8:21:36 AM

Can you educate me please and tell me what sedan tows 9,000lbs? And out handles all others with a 1,000 in the bed.

Can you educate me please and tell me what sedan tows 9,000lbs? And out handles all others with a 1,000 in the bed.
Posted by: HEMI V8

@Hemi V8

I'm not sure what he was driving at, but I said as much myself. The half ton RAM needs a bigger diesel for it to mean anything. I was never impressed by the idea of a crew cab RAM with a 3.0 diesel. Why not a bigger motor?

Posted by: papajim | Jul 10, 2017 6:25:09 PM

Fake news anyone?

It looks like this story is based on a rumor....

Posted by: Ken | Jul 10, 2017 9:45:09 PM

@papajim
The Ecodiesel meant plenty to many. Some of which clearly have expressed their love of it here. Besides, remember the 3.0 allowed them to capture the 29 and subsequent 30mpg crown before anyone else. Now the fact that they probably haven't sold nearly as many as they've led the public to believe because of there own dieselgate fiasco, well that's a whole nother story, playing out here.

seems like everybody knows the 5.7 HEMI gets better gas mileage than you
the 5.7 Hemi averages 19.3 MPG where the F-150 V6 eco-boost is a 17 MPG
engine cyl deactivation is a better way to go instead of turbo's
everybody knows that except you

Posted by: Tom#3 | Jul 11, 2017 2:30:14 AM

...remember the 3.0 allowed them to capture the 29 and subsequent 30mpg crown

@Angelo

Crown? Where do you live? Gasoline and diesel have been dirt cheap in most of the US since 2013 or so. People that are buying pickups for lifestyle reasons don't care about FE. Business owners just want the best price and cost of ownership.

Do you live somewhere where gas prices are sky high?

Posted by: papajim | Jul 11, 2017 7:09:04 AM

Dirt cheap gas doesn't stop people from buying Tesla's. Or people like me from peddling to work. Tesla that's another fiasco unfolding!? I frequent a gym where I see probably around 10-20 Tesla's in parking lot on a Saturday morning. I know some business owners, and albeit they don't have fleets, they watch expenses quite closely. Wages obviously. And surely if they had fleets, FE would be something they'd watch. Albeit the premium for a diesel might just have them buying the NAsperatedV6 if they didn't regularly tow heavy

You're in the land of sky high gas taxes and Governor Moonbeam. I'd give Sacramento a piece of my mind if I lived there. It's annoying.

I recently traveled to the midwest and finding unleaded regular under 1.90 was fairly common. You're probably paying a dollar more in taxes in places like Marin and places like Santa Clara.

Posted by: papajim | Jul 11, 2017 9:41:09 AM

@papajim
Yes, I'm peddling by Tesla, Fremont Ca on an almost daily basis. I just saw a new building with their name on it a little down the freeway. Used to be the Solara building. If you remember that company in ~2010 that Obama gave ~$500M and then they went bankrupt. Yes we see lots of change here in Silicon Valley. And yes, housing prices are nuts and those dwelling places in front of the new BART station, 1/2mi from Tesla, will be very expensive for very small square footage. The foundation is going up fast and I believe the complex will have underground parking, so there will be nothing private.

For me its' been all about wage freeze for an eternity. Yes, I paid $2.95 for super unleaded, at a self serve Valero staion, for my E30 M3 Saturday. 10.5:1 compression pistons came standard and has always been placarded for super.

Andy Poletis has a nice challenge for any takers.

Posted by: Angelo Pietroforte | Jul 11, 2017 10:19:26 AM

@papajim
Yes, I'm peddling by Tesla, Fremont Ca on an almost daily basis. I just saw a new building with their name on it a little down the freeway. Used to be the Solara building. If you remember that company in ~2010 that Obama gave ~$500M and then they went bankrupt. Yes we see lots of change here in Silicon Valley. And yes, housing prices are nuts and those dwelling places in front of the new BART station, 1/2mi from Tesla, will be very expensive for very small square footage. The foundation is going up fast and I believe the complex will have underground parking, so there will be nothing private.

For me its' been all about wage freeze for an eternity. Yes, I paid $2.95 for super unleaded, at a self serve Valero staion, for my E30 M3 Saturday. 10.5:1 compression pistons came standard and has always been placarded for super.

Andy Poletis has a nice challenge for any takers.

Posted by: Angelo Pietroforte | Jul 11, 2017 10:19:27 AM

Oops not Solara, Solyndra.
Google Solyndra scandal.

Posted by: Angelo Pietroforte | Jul 11, 2017 12:57:53 PM

The regular cab eco diesel is a nice small truck. Low to the ground and has good room behind the seat. My next truck might be one of these small diesels. I like Isuzu. If Chevy puts a 4.0 diesel in the 1500 I'll jump on it. The Ford with payload package 10 speed diesel 3.0 will be very good with all those ratios. Probably will surprise people. Gears like that low first 5 will let these tow heavy

Posted by: Brandon | Jul 11, 2017 4:31:40 PM

We sold our VW Golf TDI back to VW as part of their emission settlement, it was our commuter, and I sold my 15 year old Silverado 1500 on craigslist. We replaced both of these with the RAM ecodiesel in Lariat trim. It is great for me as a commuter, I am getting 28 mpg on my 80 mile daily commute, and it handles our travel trailer and horse/stock trailers more than adequately. The low end torque at 2,000 rpm is simply amazing for such a small engine. I love the truck.

Posted by: Alfred | Jul 11, 2017 7:37:55 PM

I'm not sure what he was driving at, but I said as much myself. The half ton RAM needs a bigger diesel for it to mean anything. I was never impressed by the idea of a crew cab RAM with a 3.0 diesel. Why not a bigger motor?

Posted by: papajim | Jul 10, 2017 6:25:09 PM

I drove one @ the L.A. Auto show. Thought it was a great addition to the most capable best in class MPG Ram line up. Others are bound to follow.

Brandon and Alfred,
I'm from Australia and I own a midsize diesel crew cab pickup. It's a great vehicle.

Fantastic at low rpm cruising and pulling up steep hills in top. It tows very well. The hardest tow I ever had was down a dirt track. It was my friends 22' fishing boat and all our equipment for camping, fuel, etc.

You can't really beat a diesel in a truck. Trucks have a diesel.

I don't mind V8s, but in the real trucking world diesel is the name of the game because it can work and work cheaper than a gas engine.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 12, 2017 9:08:09 AM

@Big Al

Saying that all trucks should be diesel is like saying that all trucks should be aluminum.

Posted by: papajim | Jul 12, 2017 3:13:49 PM

papajim,
Please read my comment.

I've alluded to the fact diesel is the best engine for a truck.

Are you being divisive again? Please stop with your silly mind games and try to have a mature discussion.

An adult would of posed a question along the lines of; "Why do you think diesels are the best truck engines?".